Dental Hygienist (DOH/PHD #46781)

New Mexico Department of Health; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 46,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Department of Health is seeking a Registered Dental Hygienist for the Office of Oral Health in Santa Fe. You will conduct oral health assessments, apply sealants/fluoride varnish, and refer complex cases to the dental case manager, while educating communities in English and Spanish.

Qualified candidates hold an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene, be licensed by the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care, and maintain CPR and OSHA certifications.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in dental hygiene required.
• Must be licensed by NM Board of Dental Health Care.
• Current CPR and OSHA certification.

Responsibilities

• Organize oral health events and perform sealants/fluoride varnish as assigned.
• Refer clients to dental case management for comprehensive care.
• Provide oral health education to diverse populations in English/Spanish.
• Advise schools and communities on oral health practices.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

CPR certification

OSHA certification

Experience reporting metrics

Oral health education experience

Education

Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene

Job description

Posting Details

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.

Salary

$33.12 - $49.68 Hourly

$68,886 - $103,330 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C9

Posting Details

The Population and Community Health Bureau (PCHB) is within the Public Health Division with the New Mexico Department of Health. The mission of the PCHB is to partner with populations, communities, organizations, and systems to create health equity where New Mexicans live, learn, work and play. The PCHB values are centered on positive relationships, accountability, respect and excellence. The Office of Oral Health is one of ten programs within the PCHB.

Why does the job exist?

Chapter 24 of the New Mexico Health and Safety Code mandates that the Department of Health operate a dental health program. The Office of Oral Health (OOH) program consists of: conducting clinical oral health prevention programs, providing funds to contractors to provide access to oral health care, promoting oral health throughout the state, promoting Community Water Fluoridation, and serving as a clearing house for oral health issues. The target population served in this program are New Mexico low income and uninsured children, adults and seniors. The services provided fall in line with the department's Strategic Plan to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and assure safety net services for all people in New Mexico. The Office of Oral Health's mission is to reduce the incidence of oral disease among children and adults. The services are provided by the OOH SoNM staff.

How does it get done?

The Registered Dental Hygienist organizes oral health events, conducts events (oral health assessment, application of dental sealants and/or fluoride varnish), and refers those individuals in need of comprehensive oral health care to the dental case manager. Oral health education is conducted at community events, school events, and during the oral health assessment. Oral health education may be done in person or virtually; in English and/or Spanish. Finally, the dental hygienist conducts oral health education training to school aged children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings.

Who are the customers?

The school-based programs serve low income and uninsured children. Populations served are from urban and rural schools in NE New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

• Bilingual (English and Spanish)
• Experience reporting metrics (data surveillance)
• Current CPR and OSHA certification
• Experience with providing oral health education to diverse populations

Minimum Qualification

Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited Dental Hygiene program. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required education. Must be licensed by the New Mexico Dental Health Care Board.

Employment Requirements

• Must be licensed by the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
• Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certification from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (bending, stooping and reaching). Operation of a cargo van or similar vehicle. In-state travel; long distances by state vehicle. Work in a school setting with various ages of youth and in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminal (VTD) and extensive phone usage.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.